Friday, December 30, 2011

Mentoring: Growth After Formal Schooling

I have attended a number of seminars since school formally ended in 1995.  I have repeatedly heard different speakers recommend that audience members seek out mentors.  While I suspect that it is widely accepted that acquiring a mentor is invaluable for gaining in-depth insight and experience in a particular area, I also expect that most people are like me in that they either: (1) do not want to pay for mentoring (if money is involved it starts to smell like tutoring, not mentoring); and/or (2) do not know where to begin their search for a mentor.  Some folks go to church for their guidance, but I have found that the pastor quoting First Peter, chapter 3, verse 7 [“likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them (wives) according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife”] – does not help me gain any actual knowledge into how I need to conduct myself as a husband.  I continue to search for mentors in the five areas most germane to my life: 
  1. Transformational Growth
  2. Health 
  3. Finance and Money 
  4. Marriage  
  5. Child Rearing 

Felony Defense Attorneys Cumming

Question:  My friend was arrested for 2 felony forgery counts. Bond has been set but there has been no arraignment and no indictment. he has been sitting in jail for 4 months. He has a public defender whom he has never met. I spoke to the pd once but he does not return calls. We want to know if he can request a speedy trial even though there has been no indictment.

Answer: No statutory speedy trial demand can be filed until an indictment or accusation is returned. A constitutional speedy trial demand can be filed, but it does not force the prosecutor to trial quickly. Because your friend is represented, he cannot file either speedy trial demand on his own.

Answered By Lawrence Lewis - Felony Defense Attorneys Cumming

How do I select a good criminal defense attorney?

February 2011 will mark the start of my twelfth year as a criminal defense attorney.  I spent the first four and a half years, after graduating from Cornell Law School, working as a state prosecutor, both in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Atlanta, Georgia. The last eleven years, I have defended individuals accused of all types of crimes.  During those fifteen years, I worked an average of seventy hours a week, and saw my fair share of justice and lunacy. 

If you have been arrested and/or charged with a criminal offense, you are about to enter the arcane world of criminal law. My first piece of advice in selecting a good criminal defense attorney is similar to the advice offered in selecting a good attorney: Have a trusted family attorney, or family friend that practices law, refer you to a criminal defense attorney. If you do not have such a resource, then you need to take heed of the following advice.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Burglary Defense Attorney Lawrenceville

Question:  How long after a person has been arrested for a commercial burglary,does the state have to bring him to court after the accused has bonded out?

Answer: The state has four years in which to indict the person. If the indictment is not filed within four years of the offense, the statute of limitations bars/prevents prosecution.

Answered By Lawrence Lewis - Burglary Defense Attorney Lawrenceville

Top Five Reasons Not to Hire a DUI Attorney to Address Your Non-DUI Felony

Potential clients seeking information about the criminal justice process often ask if I specialize in the exact offense with which they are charged.  Of course, no criminal defense attorney specializes in juvenile burglary cases, domestic violence between same sex partners cases, or grandparent child molestation cases.  The reality is there is probably not enough business in any particular area of criminal law to justify additional specialization beyond criminal defense.  I suspect this is true throughout the United States, with one exception: Driving Under the Influence (DUI). 


CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE


DUI attorney

Monday, December 26, 2011

Criminal Defense Lawyer Atlanta

Question: If you are arrested and accused of a crime. Do you have a right to a hard copy of the complete statements which were made against you?. Who can provide this information?
Thank you kindly,
Answer: After you are formally indicted or accused, you can file a discovery motion, in anticipation of jury trial, and the prosecutor must provide all of the evidence against you at least ten days prior to trial. If your attorney is not in place when you get the discovery, you will be at a severe disadvantage.

Answered By Lawrence Lewis - Criminal Defense Lawyer Atlanta

Top Five Fights That Lead to Domestic Violence

Irrespective of whether it is a mild push or a violent beating, domestic violence (aka family violence) is particularly disruptive to the constructive development of each family member.  The accused is typically arrested and jailed, the victim’s esteem is negatively affected, and every family member that witnesses or hears the assault is placed in the precarious position of choosing sides.  Much of the domestic violence that occurs can be avoided by avoiding the behavior or arguments that lead to domestic violence.  The top five fights that lead to domestic violence typically center around: 
(5) Drinking (alcohol) or drug use
(4) Cheating or womanizing
(3) Time
(2) Money 
(1) Poor communication


Saturday, December 24, 2011

Criminal Defense Lawyer Buford

Question:  At what age can a child be subpoenaed in a criminal case in GA?

Answer:  At the age where the child is competent to testify. The prosecutor does not need your permission to have your 12 year old testify.

Answered By Lawrence Lewis - Criminal Defense Lawyer Buford 

Can I trust my public defender?

Q: Can I trust my public defender?
A: MAYBE, it depends on your level of maturity.  There are a number of reasons the system does not work.

THE TOP FIVE REASONS THE PUBLIC DEFENDER SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK
When a criminal defendant indicates that he is unable to afford an attorney, the judge will often appoint an attorney.  This court appointed attorney represents the defendant at a minimal cost, often just the cost of appointment, which is currently fifty dollars ($50) in Georgia.  Irrespective of whether the indigent criminal defendant is represented by the public defender, court appointed counsel (private attorney that agrees to take court appointed work), or a conflict defender, the relationship is often strained, and the system fails to work.  There are a number of reasons the system does not work:


Lawrence Lewis - Criminal Defense Attorney

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Criminal Defense Attorney Cumming

Question:  Can records be sealed or expunge when you plead no lo contentra?

Answer: A nolo plea is a conviction for many purposes, and will not be expunged or sealed.

Answered By Lawrence Lewis - Criminal Defense Attorney Cumming

Anger Management

Q: Why should I attend anger management classes?
A: Anger management classes are the most underutilized resources in the criminal justice system.  If conducted properly, anger management will give you a great deal of insight into why you do what you do.

IT IS NOT ABOUT THE ANGER

                Often times when a person is convicted of some type of family violence, the judge will sentence the person to attend anger management classes, in an effort to help the person learn skills to diffuse or redirect anger, and learn more constructive ways to express anger.  If the person attending the classes is open to the instruction, then he will acquire some tools to diffuse his anger.  If he is really lucky, he will gain some insight into where his anger comes from. 

Anger is often a secondary emotion, which we jump to in order not to feel the pain or vulnerability of the initial emotion.  So, while there may be a great deal of anger in the workplace, at home, at school or on the internet, the anger comes from very different emotional places.  For example, when one person feels afraid, thefear is often quickly replaced by anger.  Fear is associated with being a victim, or being weak, while anger has the power of a victor.   Similarly, hopelessness is associated with being fragile or dependent.  So, the more hopeless a person feels, the more that emotion may demonstrate itself as anger.  Betrayal, shame, jealousy, almost any emotion that has a negative impact on a person’s emotional state can be replaced by anger.  The effect is to feel the anger, rather than the true emotion.


Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Custody Attorney Lawrenceville

Question:  Can a lawyer draw up papers to have some one released into your custody and how much will it cost?

Answer: The drafting of the papers is not the issue, the judge granting the motion to have someone (I assume that is in custody) released to someone else's custody is the issue. The cost to help get someone out of jail is a function of prior criminal history and current criminal charges.

Answered By Lawrence Lewis - Custody Attorney Lawrenceville

Armed Robbery Attorneys in Lawrenceville

In Georgia, robbery is defined as the taking of the property of another from the immediate presence of another, and is distinguished from other types of theft.  When Mr. X enters Ms. Y’s residence without her permission and removes her property without Ms. Y’s knowledge that is a burglary (O.C.G.A. § 16-7-1), not a robbery.  When Mr. X enters Ms. Y’s automobile without her permission and removes her property that is an entering auto (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-18), not a robbery.  When Mr. X, armed with a firearm or weapon, takes Ms. Y’s vehicle by force, or intimidation that is a hijacking of motor vehicle (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-44.1), and may also be an armed robbery.  Both armed robbery and hijacking a motor vehicle carry a mandatory minimum punishment of ten years in prison, but while hijacking carries a maximum punishment of twenty years in prison, armed robbery carries a maximum punishment of life in prison, which means thirty years in prison, before the defendant is eligible for parole.


CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Armed Robbery Attorneys in Lawrenceville

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Criminal Defense Attorney Georgia

Question:   I'm being stalked by my ex boyfriend. And I am pregnant by the man I'm with.my ex made us wreck into him the other night.it involved 2 four wheelers. He has also made threats to me and my man.what should i do? should i be worried?

Answer: Hire an attorney, get a restraining order and make sure ex obeys the restraining order.

Answered By Lawrence Lewis - Criminal Defense Attorney Georgia

Family Violence Attorneys Lawrenceville


Family violence, also known as Domestic violence, refers to physical harm inflicted on one member of a household or family, by another member of the same household or family (usually between spouses). Domestic violence, sometimes called spousal abuse when it involves a husband and wife, usually involves repetitive physical and psychological abuse, and a "cycle of violence".  Specific crimes charged vary based on: (1) the severity of the victim`s injuries; (2) whether a minor was present; and (3) whether a protective or restraining order was in place at the time of the violence.

First, the severity of the victim’s injury will determine whether the police and/or prosecutor will charge the accused with simple battery, aggravated assault and/or aggravated battery.  Second, if a minor was present to witness the domestic violence, there will certainly be a charge of Cruelty to Children put upon the accused, for allowing the child to witness the violence.  Third, if there is a protective order in place when the domestic violence occurs, the accused will probably be charged with Aggravated Stalking, which requires a Superior Court judge to set bond.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Friday, December 16, 2011

Sex Crime Attorney Lawrenceville

Question: My son is 16 and lives in ga. he went to spend the week at his aunts house in fla. 15 days later I get a call from his aunt saying that my son raped her daughter who is 13 and she is pressing charges. My son says this did not happen but they did touch each other but never was she raped nor was there any sex what should I do?

Answer:There is nothing to do right now. Either the Florida police will take a warrant or they will not. Either the Florida police will ask to speak to him before they take a warrant or they will not. When the Florida authorities contact you, you need to retain an attorney in the county where your relatives live, because that is where your son will be arrested and tried if it goes that far.

Answered By Lawrence Lewis - Sex Crime Attorney Lawrenceville

Protective Order Hearings Lawyers

If you have been served with a temporary restraining order and wish to contest the allegations of domestic violence or stalking, then you have come to the right place. The attorneys at Lawrence Lewis P.C. represent respondents who wish to contest a petition for a domestic violence, repeat violence or dating violence injunction.

We represent men and women served with a temporary restraining order in Gwinnett County, GA, or the surrounding counties of DeKalb County, Fulton County, Hall County, Rockdale County, Cherokee County, Cobb County, Forsyth County or Douglas County.

At Lawrence Lewis, P.C., our attorneys thoroughly investigate the allegations made by the petitioner.  Although these hearings take place on an emergency basis, you are entitled to have an attorney that is completely prepared for the hearing. We take the following actions in a restraining order case:


Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Criminal Defense Attorney Lawrenceville

Question: December 4 was the official date that my 5 year felony probation sentence was set to end. I've been trying for a week to get my release/first offender paperwork from my PO but he's avoiding me, and having contacted the judge's office I know that my paperwork has not been sent there. I have absolutely no violations or fines to pay. With no foreseeable resolution in sight, I'm wondering if I am still subject to the terms of my probation or am I back to being a citizen with rights? And also if there is any way to circumvent my PO and get this mess handled so I can start the process of rebuilding my life?

Answer: Just because you have not reached your PO, does not mean your PO is avoiding you. Your PO cannot collect anymore money from you, and wants you off his/her supervision list. I suspect that the PO is processing the paperwork. I'm curious: If the PO has had a family emergency like a death in the family, would you realize how self absorbed you still are (even after the 5 years on probation) in thinking that you are somehow the reason he has been unavailable. Probably not. No foreseeable resolution in sight will turn into resolved in a matter of days. What are you looking to do that you cannot do? Carry a gun is the only thing I can think of. If you have been on reporting probation for five years, you either have violated your probation a number of times or have a sex offense. The maximum period of supervision is two years. You indicated that you have violations, so you were either illegally on reporting probation for the last three years, or you have a sex offense. I don't know what the sex offense was about, but the tone of the question indicates that you lack patience, lack empathy and are extremely self absorbed, maybe even bordering on narcissistic. Have you not been rebuilding your life for the last five years while you have been on probation? If it is a sex offense, you better make sure you are registered if required, or you will right back on probation. Good luck.

Answered By Lawrence Lewis - Criminal Defense Attorney Lawrenceville

Violation Of Probation

If you are currently on misdemeanor or felony probation, and you believe that your probation officer is going to accuse you of violating your probation, you need to contact an experienced violation of probation attorney to assist you.  Lawrence Lewis is ready to defend you in the violation of probation case filed in the greater metropolitan Atlanta area.  Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and learn all of the things you may need to do right now to protect yourself against the allegation.

Avoid the Typical Result in a Georgia VOP Case

Typically, after the Georgia probation officer makes an allegation of violation of probation, the judge will sign a warrant for your arrest. The arrest warrant for a violation of probation (VOP) usually has a "no bond" provision, meaning that unless you retain an attorney to resolve your case quickly or obtain a bond, you may be sitting in jail for weeks or months until your probation violation case is heard in court and/or resolved.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Criminal Defense Attorney in Norcross

Question: If someone has been arrested for a hand gun being fired by accident and causes damage to a neighbors home how long can you be detained by law enforcement before being charged? The hand gun was clear of bodies, legal and no other charges, it appears the police are LOOKING for something else.

Answer: I don't understand the question. The police arrested the someone for what crime (possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, discharge of a firearm within city limits, reckless conduct)? The police did not take the someone in the police car to the jail, and then him/her there to determine what the charges should be. The police don't need to look for anything else, they have reckless conduct. If the neighbor says the gun was discharged on purpose, then they have terroristic acts. If the neighbor says the gun was pointed at them, then they have aggravated assault. However, you have no idea what the neighbor told the police. 

Answered By Lawrence Lewis - Criminal Defense Attorney in Norcross

Sex offense defense lawyer

People charged with sexual assault or child sex offenses face hostile prosecutors and harsh public opinion.  Most people, even some criminal defense attorneys, are only too willing to believe the worst about those accused of sex offenses.  Our firm knows that not all people accused of sex offenses are in fact guilty of the charges.  We believe that those facing such grave charges deserve the best possible defense and representation. 

            At Lawrence Lewis, P.C. we recognize that a conviction for a sex crime will almost certainly result in prison time, lifetime registration as a sex offender, and a permanently destroyed reputation.  In 2006, sex offender laws were overhauled in Georgia, and four (4) sexual offenses were modified to require a mandatory minimum life in prison, which means thirty years in prison before the convicted person is considered for parole.  These include:


CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE


If you have been charged with a sex offense and you would like to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney, call an experienced sex offense defense lawyer or attorney at Lawrence Lewis, P.C. today at (678) 407-9300.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Domestic Violence Attorney in Lawrenceville

Question: I was arrested at a skating rink because my wife called the police and told them that I verbally threatend her life inside the skating rink. She had a friend who she was talking to on the cell phone come up to the skating rink to tell the police that she heard me threaten my wife while she was on the cell phone with her. Inside the skating rink it is very loud with music. The skating rink owner was their that night and did an advidavit stating that I did nothing wrong, no parents said anything to her or the staff about any domestic fights going on and that she did not even know my wife was their that night because I was skating with my daughters every time she saw me. I was indicted by the grand jury. I have NEVER been arrested before, I am 40 yrs old and served 8 years in the UNited States Marine Corps. My wife also filed a TPO against me 2 days after I got out of jail even though the bond protects her. Last year my wife filed molestation charges against me which was dropped, saying I was molesting my daughters, she lost 2 previous children to her 2 ex husbands. Do you think the DA will drop charges or take it to a jury trial because I am willing to go to a jury trial if they dont drop charges.

Answer: I think you should prepare for jury trial. The grand jury indicted you, so the prosecutor will try you. How does your willingness to go to jury trial translate into beating the charges at jury trial? Who will be trying the case? You. See website on how to select an attorney

Answered by Lawrence Lewis - Domestic Violence Attorney in Lawrenceville

Violent crimes attorney

A violent crime is a criminal offense that is committed with the use of violence, or with threats of violence.  When a person commits a violent crime, the violence is usually just a means to an end.  In recent years, violent crimes have escalated in the state of Georgia, especially amongst the adolescent, male demographic.  In hopes of decreasing instances of violent crimes, law enforcement and legislation has become very strict when dealing with violent crime offenders.  People who are convicted of committing a violent crime should expect to spend substantial time in prison, in addition to paying fines, paying restitution and performing community service.  For these reasons, it is very important to consult a violent crimes lawyer when facing criminal charges involving violence.   

The violent crimes defense attorneys and lawyers at Lawrence Lewis, P.C. are dedicated to defending clients who have been arrested for or charged with any type of violent crime in or around the metro-Atlanta area.  According to the law, numerous illegal acts are categorized as violent crimes in the state of Georgia: 


If you have been charged with a violent crime in metro-Atlanta or the surrounding areas, and you would like to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney, call a violent crimes attorney at Lawrence Lewis, P. C. today at (678) 407-9300. 

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Rape Defense Attorney Lawrenceville

Question: I was raped by someone that i know and they claims to be my friend so i know who he is and he knows where i hang out. This happened two weeks ago and im afraid that since i didn't go get tested with a rape kit and he doesn't incriminate himself during questioning or admit to rapping me that the case will just be dropped and they he will be out to try and hurt or even kill me for trying to press charges. What should/can I do to get justice served on my behalf without having to run from him and not go out until i move out of the state of Georgia?

Answer: How can the case be dropped when you never reported the incident and no decision has been made to arrest or jail him? Without you reporting the offense to the police, the police, prosecutor, judge and/or courts will never be involved. No one knows what you should do,because you have too many condition precedents on what you want. You want justice, but you don't want him arrested if he is going to be let out of jail. You want justice, but you don't want to run before you move out of the state of GA. I cannot that the police will take your case more seriously the more time goes by between the incident and the arrest. 

Traffic Citation Lawyer

O.C.G.A. § 40-5-20(a) states that no person shall drive any motor vehicle upon a highway in this state unless such person has a valid driver’s license.  Any person who is a resident of Georgia for 30 days must obtain a Georgia’s driver’s license before operating a motor vehicle in this state.  Every licensee shall have his license in his immediate possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle, and shall display the license upon the demand of an officer.  

    The driver with a valid driver’s license may be cited for a multitude of traffic offenses, ranging from speeding, and/or failure to maintain lane, to vehicular homicide.  It is unrealistic to try and address all of the possible traffic offenses here.  So, we will address the most frequent traffic offenses by age group.  


Click here to read the full article


Keywords: Traffic Citation Lawyer, Traffic Ticket Attorney, Qualified Traffic Lawyer, Gwinnett County Traffic Ticket Attorney, Atlanta Traffic Ticket Attorney, Lawrenceville Traffic Citation Lawyer

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Felony Defense Attorney in Lawrenceville

Question: Can a felony conviction of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud be expunged from your permanent record?

Answer: No, no felony conviction can be expunged.

Answered By Lawrence Lewis - Felony Defense Attorney in Lawrenceville

Drug Offenses Lawyers

Federal and state drug possession laws make it a crime to knowingly and willfully possess illegal controlled substances such as marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, LSD, and heroin. These laws also criminalize the possession of "precursor" chemicals used in drug cultivation and manufacturing, as well as certain accessories related to drug use.  Drug possession laws vary according to drug type and amount of the drug.  Possession of small quantities may be deemed “simple” possession (O.C.G.A. § 16-13-30(a)), while possession of larger amounts may result in a charge of possession with intent to distribute (O.C.G.A. § 16-13-30(b)) or trafficking (O.C.G.A. § 16-13-31). 
 
Drug crimes spring from a wide variety of fact patterns.  At Lawrence Lewis, P.C., we have represented people who have been accused of growing, selling, producing, importing, delivering, possessing and trafficking drugs.  The drugs involved in these cases have included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ecstasy and marijuana.  In addition, in recent years, law enforcement and prosecutors have begun to rely on wire taps and other clandestine surveillance techniques to apprehend and prosecute individuals suspected of involvement in the drug trade.  The use of wire taps has added great complexity to the defense of individuals accused of drug offenses, and overwhelmed most novice criminal defense attorneys.  Few attorneys have handled as many wiretap cases as Lawrence Lewis. 



Keyword: Drug Offenses Lawyers, Lawrenceville Drug Offenses Attorneys, Atlanta Drug Offenses Attorneys,  Drug Offenses Lawyers in Gwinnett County

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Drug Defense Lawyer in Lawrenceville

Question: I am a 17 year old male and got a citation from the Forsyth County Department of Parks and Recreation. Me and 5 other friends hiked up a small mountain at Sawnee Mountain Park and when we reached the top, 2 of my friends pull out marijuana. They all begin smoking while I just kinda hung out with them. I had no marijuana, did not smoke any marijuana, and did not even drive to the trail. However we all got citations for being at the park during late hours. My 2 friends who had the citations had "possession of Marijuana" written on their citation. The cop was aware I didn't have possession and didn't smoke but my citation specifically stated, "Late hours w/others smoking marijuana" I am worried the judge might misinterpret that as "Smoking marijuana WITH others" instead of "with others as THEY smoked marijuana. The cop also said all I had to do was go to court, pay the fine, and it would not be on my record. How much do you think my fine will be? What if the judge misinterprets my ticket? and was the officer telling the truth when he said all I had to do was pay the fine and my record will stay clean?

Answer: You clearly need an attorney, because you are worried about how your citations will be interpreted, and your possible fine, when you had no concern about your friends pulling out marijuana, smoking marijuana and you hanging out while they smoke marijuana.  Click here to see how to select a good lawyer

Answered By Lawrence Lewis - Drug Defense Lawyer in Lawrenceville

DUI Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been arrested for Driving under the Influence (DUI), you need to retain an experienced DUI Lawyer.  Lawrence Lewis, P.C. provides a full-service approach to your DUI defense from the ALS hearing to protect your driving privileges, to the motions hearings and trial.  Hiring an experienced attorney early in your case is crucial to protecting your privilege to drive and increasing your chances of avoiding a DUI conviction.

In Georgia there are a number of ways to get arrested for DUI.  By statute, any person in physical control of any moving vehicle, can be arrested for being under the influence of: (1) alcohol, whether the person’s alcohol concentration is .08 grams or the person is just less safe; (2) controlled substances, like cocaine and marijuana; (3) prescription medication; (4) glue, aerosol or other toxic vapor; or (5) any combination of two or more of these substances.

After any DUI or DWI (driving while intoxicated) arrest in Georgia, there are actually two different types of cases pending against the driver:

Friday, December 2, 2011

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Buford

Question: My father had a tractor parked on someone's elses property. A junk dealer had a tow truck pick up the tractor and he sold it for scrap metal. The junk dealer said that he bought the tractor from the land owner. My father does not know who the land owner was. The tractor broke down and he left it there until he could get someone to pick it up but the junk man had it picked up before Daddy did. Can you please tell me what law this breaks and where to begin on getting restitution for the tractor?

Answer: Your father committed a trespass. It would have been impossible to leave the broken tractor on property that he did not unlawfully enter. After your father unlawfully entered someone's else's property without permission, he used that property as a parking lot. Once the property owner observed the broken tractor on his land, I suspect he called the tow man to remove it. The tow man removed the property and sold it, pocketed whatever profits there may have been. Now you want to know what laws the other people broke? Get real!

Answered By Lawrence Lewis - Criminal Defense Lawyer in Buford

Deposit Account Fraud Forgery attorney

DEPOSIT ACCOUNT FRAUD – FORGERY – FINANCIAL IDENTITY FRAUD
 
In these tough economic times, some folks have acted in desperation, writing checks for goods and services either hoping there will be enough money to cover the check, or worse, knowing there is not enough money in their accounts to cover the checks.  Most don’t realize that writing a bad check is a criminal offense, and that more and more businesses receiving those bad checks are pursuing criminal warrants.  Unlike violent crime (e.g. armed robbery, aggravated battery), “paper crimes” are often viewed as less serious offenses.  Nonetheless, prosecutors are recommending, and judges are handing out, steep penalties, including substantial jail time for individuals convicted of paper crimes.  Often times the severity of the sentence depends on: (1) the criminal offense at issue; (2) the number of prior convictions for paper crimes; and (3) the amount of money involved.


About Me

I hung a shingle in February 2000, because I saw that individuals charged with criminal offenses were being underserved by the attorneys practicing criminal law. Since February 2000, I have represented more than two thousand criminal clients. I only practice criminal law, but I do everything from violations of probation to Supreme Court appeals. There are few attorneys under the age of sixty that have my level of experience. I have tried more than two hundred major felony jury trials. I have tried more than fifty misdemeanor jury trials. In Philadelphia as a prosecutor, I tried more than two thousand bench trials. I have conducted more than three thousand preliminary hearings and bond hearings. Yet, I still have the energy at forty-five to serve my current clients. There is nothing that will occur in a courtroom that I have not experienced before. When you are looking for an attorney, experience is everything.